SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to the Bail Reform Act of 2017 becoming law:

“I am proud that Illinois' outdated system of monetary bail is finally being reformed. Low-risk offenders should not be forced to stay in jail because they can't afford bail. We should be investing in our neighborhoods, in social services and in job training programs to lift people up, instead of spending money to detain someone who is not a threat to public safety.”

House Bill 243 would allow high schools to establish partnerships with local law enforcement to create law enforcement job training programs for high school students.

“No one is well-served when there is a breakdown in trust and communication between law enforcement and the community,” Van Pelt said. “It’s time to put into effect meaningful programs that help foster positive relationships between law enforcement and our neighborhoods and encourage Chicago youth to pursue careers in law enforcement. If successful, law enforcement agencies will be more diverse and their officers will have a better understanding of the communities they serve.”

The measure also creates the Police Training Academy Job Training Program and Scholarship Fund, which requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to administer a scholarship program for students who have participated in such programs and have been accepted into one of Illinois’ public colleges or universities.

Having passed both chambers with bipartisan support, House Bill 243 now goes to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s passage of a balanced budget:

“Today, after months of Republican delays, Senate Democrats chose to restore stability and certainty to the state of Illinois by passing a full-year, balanced budget. The plan will reinstate funding for MAP grants, technical education and after-school programs and important human services that help reduce recidivism rates, treat addiction and provide youth employment—all of which will help restore stability to communities that have been most devastated by Governor Rauner’s inaction over the past two years. The people of Illinois can’t wait any longer. It’s time for the governor to put Illinois first and support this budget.”